RENEWING

THE EARTH’S WATER SUPPLY

THE WATER
SUPPLY
Water in, on above the Earth
Earth’s Water Supply
 Water Source Percent of fresh water Percent of total water

Oceans, seas & – 96.5

Of all the water on Earth, bays

only a small
Ice caps, glaciers & 68.7 1.74
percentage is drinkable, permanent snow
fresh water.
One estimate of global Groundwater – 1.69
water distribution. fresh 30.1 0.76
(Percentages are rounded, saline – 0.93
so will not add to 100)
Soil moisture 0.05 0.001
Ground ice and 0.86 0.022
permafrost

Lakes – 0.013
fresh 0.26 0.007
saline – 0.006
 Water Source
Atmosphere 0.04 0.001

Swamp water 0.03 0.0008

Rivers 0.006 0.0002

Biological water 0.003 0.0001

 How Does the Water Cycle Renew
Earth's Supply of Fresh Water?
THE EARTH’S WATER SUPPLY

The hydrologic, or water, cycle is one of the essential cycles

for maintaining life on Earth. The stages of the hydrologic
cycle describe the processes by which water moves from the
surface of the planet into the atmosphere and back again,
ensuring that water supplies are renewed. The regular
movement of water on Earth is affected by many factors,
which can lead to patterns of flooding and drought.
 EARTH'S WATER RESOURCES
THE EARTH’S WATER SUPPLY
Although much of the Earth's surface is water-
covered, most of this water is not available for human
use. Ninety-seven percent of the Earth's water is held
in the oceans, with only 2 percent available as fresh
water resources. Those resources can be
compromised by human activity and natural events
which affect the movement of water in the hydrologic
cycle.
 SURFACE TO ATMOSPHERE
THE AND BACK
EARTH’S AGAIN
WATER SUPPLY
The hydrologic cycle begins as water on the
Earth's surface evaporates from a liquid state to
a gaseous one under high heat. This evaporated
moisture rises into the atmosphere, where it
condenses on small particles, forming clouds
and fog. When a saturation point is reached,
these water particles fall from the atmosphere,
returning to the ground as precipitation rain,
sleet or snow.
 INTERCEPTION AND SURFACE MOVEMENT
Water that returns to the Earth's surface as precipitation can
fall on water
THE or EARTH’S
land. It can be absorbed
WATER by plants, remain
SUPPLY
on the surface, or infiltrate the soil, where it percolates
through the layers at rates dependent on the soil's
permeability. Plants release water from their leaves as
vapor, which returns to the atmosphere. Surface water
which is not absorbed by the soil is moved by runoff to
streams and other water bodies, and water deep in the soil
can remain as groundwater or move through the soil as
subsurface runoff to join streams and rivers. As evaporation
brings water back into the atmosphere, the hydrologic
cycle begins once more.
 FACTORS AFFECTING THE CYCLE
THE EARTH’S WATER SUPPLY
The renewal of Earth's fresh water supply depends on the
regular movement of water from the surface into the
atmosphere and back again. When one part of the cycle is
affected, others become affected as well, resulting in too
much water in some places and not enough in others. For
example, human activity which extracts groundwater, or a
severe drought, can affect the amount of water available in a
given area, while excessive saturation of the soil can result in
flooding.
Water is vital for agriculture
THE EARTH’S WATER SUPPLY and food production,
for industry, and for our towns and cities.
Because water and water supply infrastructure are
such valuable resources for so many purposes, we
need to balance economy with capacity and
longevity when designing and developing water
supply infrastructure.
Water Main Issues
Water main problems can generally
be defined under four categories:
Tuberculation; faulty or deteriorated
joints; inadequate hydraulic
capacity; and internal and/or
external corrosion.
IRRIGATION
Irrigation of fertile lands lacking naturally
sufficient rainfall has been practiced for more
than 2000 years, enabling the sustainable
food production that is fundamental for
progress.
PIPELINES
Pipelines are a key element for water transfer, so it
is vital that pipelines have an economic diameter,
minimize ongoing maintenance effort, reduce risks,
and last.
We provide knowledge and insights to help clients
implement practical, efficient and robust water
transfer systems that are cost-effective to
construct, are easy to maintain, and are built to
last. And we can help to identify and mitigate the
important risks associated with geotechnical issues
or with pressure transients.
PUMPING STATION

Pumping stations play a crucial role in water transfer,

so it is important that they are practical, economical,
robust, and easy to operate and maintain.
We can live without love,
But we cannot live without water